TURN-ONS AND TURN-OFFS IN CURRENT HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES : ExcellentGoodFairPoor : VIDEOCASSETTES

“The Magic Video.” Taft. $19.97. In this 30-minute, low-budget video sponsored by a toy-store chain, World Sleight-of-Hand Champion Michael Ammar shows a Typical American Kid several simple but adequately friend-baffling tricks. Only basic about-the-house props are employed and most of the minor feats shouldn’t be too hard for children (or adults) age 8 and up to learn. An amiable teacher, Ammar is a bit quick with a couple of demonstrations, but one of the “magical” things about video is that you can repeat the section over and over until you get it right. Available at Toys R Us stores.